WhatsApp adds more emojis to make the “Reactions” feature even better in chats

This is sure going to draw in more users to WhatsApp and away from Telegram. Despite it has more of these features earlier than WhatsApp, the Meta-owned app is still the most used till today.

Early this year, it started testing a new way for users to react to messages (or replies) in both individual and group chats. In March, WABetaInfo reported WhatsApp was testing six emojis which communicated “thumbs up”, “love”, thank you, a laughing face, crying face, and surprised face.

I remember using these emojis to react to some comments in the WhatsApp groups I belong to, and the interactions were really cool. “Reactions are fun, fast, and they reduce overload in groups too. We’ll continue improving them by adding an even broader range of expressions in the future,” says WhatsApp.

Beyond the six initial emojis, WhatsApp is now letting users to choose any emoji they would like to react to a message in a single or group chat. “We’re rolling out the ability to use any emoji as a reaction on WhatsApp. Some of my favorites: 🤖🍟🏄‍♂️😎💯👊,” says CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a Facebook post.

It’s important to note that Reactions 2.0 started to roll out to iOS devices for now, which means it can take several days and even weeks for the feature to start working for all WhatsApp users.

After the update, WhatsApp will show a ‘Plus symbol’ next to the list of six pre-chosen emoji reactions. Users can press on the plus symbol and pick the emoji they prefer. You can react to any message with an Emoji by long-pressing on it, which should open up a small menu on the side.

If perhaps you find out you are a part of the new update kindly take note of the following,

• You can only add one reaction per message.
• Reactions to disappearing messages will disappear when the message disappears.
• It’s not possible to hide reactions or reaction counts.
• Recipients might see your reaction before you remove it or if removing it wasn’t successful. You won’t be notified if removing a reaction wasn’t successful.

The announcement comes ahead of World Emoji Day, which takes place this coming Sunday (July 17).

Message reactions allow you to quickly and easily respond to a message using nothing more than an emoji. By opening the feature up, people can now use their favorite emoji no matter which one that happens to be.

In a blog post on Emojipedia, Keith Broni, Editor In Chief, said;

“Emojis are more popular today than ever before, and today’s expansion of WhatsApp Reactions is sure to propel their popularity to even greater heights.“ With over 3,600 possible new emoji options, we’re delighted to team up with WhatsApp today and use our expertise to address the hottest debates in emoji understanding,” he added.